Great Lakes ADA Center

08/13/2024

08/13/2024

We're sharing this important survey from our friends at the Southwest ADA Center!

The Southwest ADA Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann is conducting a national survey on cancer survivor experiences and disability identity. This quick, 5-minute survey is for adults 18 and over who have been diagnosed with cancer or have a history of cancer and reside in the U.S.

Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/4djrYjP

Contact Lindsey Vongthavaravat at [email protected] or call 713-797-7171 for more information.

08/12/2024

The Great Lakes ADA Center is cheering on our phenomenal Wisconsin and Ohio athletes as they hit the courts in wheelchair basketball and take to the water in para rowing. These champions are ready to make waves and bring home the gold for Team USA!

Let’s unite in support of these incredible athletes as they show the world what Midwest grit is all about!

John Boie (Wheelchair Basketball)
https://bit.ly/4dh4lIu

Nate Hinze (Wheelchair Basketball)
https://bit.ly/4dlp2mU

Talen Jourdan (Wheelchair Basketball)
https://bit.ly/3AhLZIP

Becca Murray (Wheelchair Basketball)
https://bit.ly/4dfu2t4

Blake Haxton (Para-Rowing)
https://bit.ly/3Aeg3Ff

08/12/2024

Have you heard about Minnesota's reasonable accommodation reimbursement program? Join us for our next ADA Audio Conference series webinar titled "Empowering Minnesota’s Workforce: Leveraging ERAF for Inclusive Success." This session explores how the State of Minnesota's Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) is investing in workers with disabilities and supporting small to mid-sized employers with their ADA reasonable accommodation requirements.

Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET

Don’t miss out—register now: https://bit.ly/46Gq4qZ

Speakers:
Ray McCoy, ERAF Program Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

08/11/2024

The Great Lakes ADA Center offers a wealth of resources, including our ADA Legal Briefs. These resources provide a look at the trends in ADA court cases from across the country and break down the legal reasoning behind certain case decisions. We have legal briefs covering cases on service animals, higher education, the healthcare industry, FMLA under the ADA, and more.

🔗 Find Out More: https://bit.ly/4aqOLIm

08/10/2024

Meet the newest additions to the Barbie Fashionistas lineup! Mattel's Barbie Fashionista toy line has teamed up with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to create a blind Barbie with a white cane and a Black Barbie with Down Syndrome! These dolls are more than just toys; they’re a celebration of diversity and inclusion. From their outfits to their accessories, every detail was designed with input from AFB and NDSS to authentically represent these communities.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3WxNXfE

08/09/2024

Celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Today, we at the Great Lakes ADA Center honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples around the globe, including those with disabilities. Let's stand together in recognizing their invaluable impact and continue to support their rights and traditions while we move towards a more accessible world.

Join us in celebrating the diversity and resilience of Indigenous communities.

Check out this article from the Indigenous World 2024: Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN): https://bit.ly/3AgnSu3

08/09/2024

The August Great Lakes Chronicle Newsletter, Resources of the Month, is here! In this issue, learn about the U.S. Department of Education’s new resources for students with sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and cancer, and download the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s 2024 NDEAM posters in English or Spanish!

Don’t miss out—read and subscribe to our monthly newsletter at: https://bit.ly/3PkCdc6

08/09/2024

Attention! We need YOUR voice! The U.S. Access Board is addressing equity and accessibility in AI and we want your input. This is your chance to help:

1. Establish opportunities that promote solidarity and relationship-building across disability and tech communities.
2. Identify and develop solutions to civil rights concerns, accessibility barriers, and AI risks.
3. Access information and resources to promote safe, equitable, and accessible AI.

📝 Submit your written public comments by August 31, 2024. Let's shape the future of AI together!

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3Aogmx8

08/07/2024

The Great Lakes ADA Center is cheering on the incredible athletes from Minnesota! We're proud to support our regional Para champions:

Aaron Pike (Para Nordic Skiing, Para Track and Field) – Go for gold, Aaron!
https://bit.ly/4dzj418

Summer Schmit (Para Swimming) – Dive into victory, Summer!
https://bit.ly/3SA8Iq0

Natalie Sims (Para Swimming) – Make waves, Natalie!
https://bit.ly/4clS2Jz

Mallory Weggemann (Para Swimming) – Swim strong, Mallory
https://bit.ly/4dQA9nJ

Ian Seidenfeld (Para Table Tennis) – Smash it, Ian!
https://bit.ly/4chS9Gn

Wishing you all the best of luck! Go team USA!

Follow our page for more posts on Paralympic athletes from our region. Let's cheer them on together!

08/07/2024

Honoring Bravery and Remembering Sacrifice on National Purple Heart Day

Today, the Great Lakes ADA Center pays tribute to the brave individuals who have been wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

Join us in honoring these extraordinary individuals and showing support for their loved ones.

💜 Want to learn more about the Purple Heart Medal? Read more at: 9 Things You Need to Know About the Purple Heart Medal · United Service Organizations (https://bit.ly/3spBATJ)

08/06/2024

As summer fades, families are preparing for the unique back-to-school needs of students with disabilities. The Great Lakes ADA Center highlights the Ameri Disability Community's article: "20 Back-to-School Supplies for Students with Special Needs."

The article features helpful back-to-school gear, like:

Fidget backpacks 🎒
Adaptive eyewear 👓
Mini loop scissors ✂️
Adaptive uniforms... and more!

Read about the full list of supplies here: https://bit.ly/3YA3kXK

08/05/2024

Midwest pride at the Paris Paralympics!

The Great Lakes ADA Center is rallying behind our incredible Minnesota athletes as they represent Team USA at ! From wheelchair rugby to basketball and rowing, these stars are ready to shine on the world stage.

Join the Great Lakes ADA Center in showing them our support as they pursue gold and glory!

🏉 Chuck Aoki (Wheelchair Rugby);
https://bit.ly/3T05TPh

🏀 Josie Aslakson (Wheelchair Basketball);
https://bit.ly/3SF87mW

🏀 Abby Bauleke (Wheelchair Basketball);
https://bit.ly/3Sy2OFN

🚣‍♀️ Skylar Dahl (Para-Rowing);
https://bit.ly/3SEaG8F

🏀 Rose Hollermann (Wheelchair Basketball);
https://bit.ly/3SDTqjN

Follow our page for more posts on Paralympic athletes from our region. Let's cheer them on together!

Go Team USA!

08/04/2024

Stay connected! Follow the Great Lakes ADA Center on TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for the latest news and updates about the ADA and our Center. Don't miss out on valuable information! Follow us .

08/03/2024

Celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the ADA with us! The Great Lakes ADA Center is excited to share Seyfarth’s valuable resource: a three-part video series, "ADA 30: 30 Tips for 30 Years." This series offers practical advice on:

1. Making facilities more accessible
2. Implementing reasonable modifications
3. Effective communication with individuals who have sight, hearing, and speech disabilities.. and much more

Most tips are free to implement — awareness is key! Watch now and enhance your customer experience.

🔗 Learn more and watch here: https://bit.ly/4d8ImmX

08/02/2024

Recent ADA Developments in the Criminal Legal System

People with disabilities often interface with the criminal legal system. This legal webinar discusses how ADA issues play out during incarceration and re-entry. The presenter explores critical topics such as access to treatment, physical accessibility, effective communication, program access, segregation, and re-entry, using recent court decisions and settlements.

Stay informed about the latest legal developments involving people with disabilities and the criminal legal system.

Watch now: https://bit.ly/4d6LlMX
Watch other Archived Videos from the ADA Legal Webinar Series: https://bit.ly/3Rt3kEe

08/02/2024

Livable Communities for All Ages

As the number of older adults rises, our communities must adapt to support their needs. By 2030, nearly 20% of the population will be 65+, impacting health services, housing, and more.

The Great Lakes ADA Center is proud to support USAging’s efforts in creating inclusive environments for everyone. Discover how USAging and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are leading the way in planning for Livable Communities.

🔗 Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3A1kW4k

08/01/2024

U.S. Access Board and DOJ Issue Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) Final Rules

The U.S. Access Board issued a final rule for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) standards to be effective September 23, 2024. The U.S. Department of Justice also announced that it will shortly publish in the Federal Register a rule under Title II of the ADA that establishes standards for MDE used by state and local government entities to improve access to medical care for people with disabilities. A fact sheet that provides information about the final rule will soon be available on https://bit.ly/2Njx7xT.

Learn more about the U.S. Access Board’s final rule: https://bit.ly/4fwEFcn

Learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice rule: https://bit.ly/4fwGK8r

08/01/2024

🎨 Join us for the latest webinar of the Arts-n-Rec Webinar Series: "New Accessibility Self-Assessment for Arts and Culture Organizations"! Open Door Arts has created a groundbreaking electronic tool designed with input from experts in arts, culture, disability, and the ADA. This tool is tailored to meet the unique needs of arts and culture organizations while centering the voices and perspectives of people with disabilities.

During this session, you'll learn about the purpose, development, and practical applications of this tool to increase access. Plus, there will be time for your questions!

🗓️ Thursday, August 8
🕑 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4c6MLpl

Speakers:
Nicole Agois, Managing Director, Open Door Arts
Portia Brown, Director of Operations, Open Door Arts
Hannah Goodwin, Cultural Access and Inclusion Specialist, Open Door Arts

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance accessibility in your organization!

07/31/2024

Join the Great Lakes ADA Center in cheering on our incredible athletes from Michigan and Indiana as they represent the United States in the Paris Paralympics 2024! Under the inspiring theme "One for All," these athletes embody the spirit of unity and excellence. Let’s rally together to support and celebrate their amazing journey! Here's to our outstanding athletes as they showcase their exceptional talents on the world stage:

🏉 Jeff Butler, Wheelchair Rugby
https://bit.ly/3WrvNfA

🥋 Evan Medell, Para Taekwondo
https://bit.ly/3LK7UuR

🏸 Jayci Simon, Para Badminton
https://bit.ly/3LP2SgG

07/31/2024

Closing the ADA Anniversary with this A to Z Resource!

Join us in celebrating and learning with 26 concepts and resources in celebration of the 34th anniversary of the ADA. Each concept starts with a different letter of the alphabet—discover the impact of terms like:

A. Accommodation
B. Business
C. Communication
D. Definition of Disability
E. Employment
F. Facility Access
G. …

Find out more at: https://bit.ly/3LKWzKR

07/30/2024

Join the Great Lakes ADA Center in cheering on our athletes representing the United States in the Paris Paralympics 2024! Under the theme "One for All," these athletes exemplify the spirit of unity and excellence. Let’s show our support and celebrate their remarkable journey! Here's to our incredible athletes from Illinois as they showcase their incredible talents on the world stage:

🏀 Ixhelt Gonzalez, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete;
https://bit.ly/3YoER7r

🏉 Sarah Adam, Wheelchair Rugby Athlete;
https://bit.ly/3y8ETpx

🏉 Chuck Melton, Wheelchair Rugby Athlete;
https://bit.ly/3A6IOnq

🏉 Eric Newby, Wheelchair Rugby Athlete;
https://bit.ly/4c7nqvr

🎯 Marco Delarosa, Para Shooting Athlete;
https://bit.ly/4c3CwlM

07/29/2024

Tips on Interacting Respectfully with People with Disabilities

Disability Etiquette Guide: A valuable resource for businesses, schools, organizations, staff training, and disability awareness programs. There is no need to feel awkward when interacting with someone who has a disability. This 20-page guide offers practical tips to foster positive interactions and increase everyone's comfort levels. Download now!

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4d2ikBN

07/28/2024

Are stores required to provide personal shopping assistance?

Discover the answer in our ADA FAQ: https://bit.ly/3YoDLZp

07/27/2024

Meet John Amanam, a Nigerian sculptor and former movie special effects artist who's revolutionizing the prosthetics industry with hyperrealistic limbs that match dark skin tones. His work at Immortal Cosmetic Art Ltd. spans prosthetic hands, legs, fingers, toes, ears, noses, and breasts, and is transforming lives worldwide with its innovation and inclusivity.

🔗 Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3WA6zNc

Let’s celebrate this groundbreaking achievement and the positive impact it’s making!

07/26/2024

Enjoying a hike, bike ride, walk, run, or roll along a scenic route is a great way to spend the summer. Watch the archived AccessibilityOnline webinar video "Accessible Pedestrian Trails and Shared Use Paths" to learn about accessible pedestrian trails and shared use paths, including the technical requirements in the ABA Accessibility Standards for newly constructed or altered trails on federal sites.

Watch this video now at: https://bit.ly/3PxwLC0
Watch other videos from AccessibilityOnline at: https://bit.ly/3SoVJXQ

07/26/2024

Happy 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Whether you are attending an ADA 34 event or taking some time today to learn more about this monumental piece of disability rights legislation, our Great Lakes ADA Center wants to thank you for helping us support voluntary compliance with the ADA through education and awareness.

07/25/2024

Exciting Opportunity Alert! Conservation Legacy is hiring for a Media Placement Position: Media Intern at the National Park Service—Keweenaw National Historical Park in Michigan. If you have a passion for media and conservation, this could be your perfect fit!

🗓️ Application due date: August 12, 2024

Learn more and apply at: https://bit.ly/3YhaK1K

07/24/2024

Access to healthcare facilities and equipment is a basic need! Whether it's a routine visit to the dentist or a stay at a long-term care facility, accessible medical facilities and equipment ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can actively manage their health. Join us for our next webinar in the series to learn more about these important guidelines and standards. Don't miss out!

📅 Date: Thursday, August 1
🕒 Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM ET
👩‍💼 Speakers: Debra Martins & Bobby Stinnette, Accessibility Specialists at the U.S. Access Board

Register now at: https://bit.ly/3A57JHD